Hidden Waters (Tattered & Torn, #3)

by Catherine Cowles

“I want you to move in.” “You do?” Skepticism laced Beckett’s tone. “I want to be normal.” It was as much honesty as I could give him at the moment—it was more than I’d given anyone else. “Normal’s overrated, in my opinion.” I scoffed. Of course, Beckett would think that. He was a golden god. Tanned skin, deep blue eyes, and sun-streaked hair. He didn’t have the first idea of what being a freak felt like. Beckett held up a hand in defeat. “All right. Normal. And that means having me for your roommate?” “Yes.” It was more complicated than that. It meant withstanding a strange man in my space, one who set my nerves on edge. “Okay…” He let the word trail off. “We need a code word.”

I have wanted to write a roommates-to-lovers story for so long. There is something about the forced proximity of living with someone that exposes things you would never normally let them see. Throw in a gorgeous, broody doctor with secrets and a heroine who has escaped the worst and this book was addicting to write from beginning to end.

“You deserved so much better.” “I’m getting it. I’m making that beautiful life now. And I’ll appreciate it so much more because of what I’ve been through.” It wasn’t enough for me. It never would be. But I admired how Addie could view her past. I struggled not to hold her too tightly. The urge to burn the world down around me was too strong. I wasn’t good the way Addie was. I still wanted to start with Allen. “Beckett,” she whispered against my ear. “I’m okay. It doesn’t hurt. The skin is ugly but—” I reared back. “Nothing about you is ugly.” Her cheeks flamed. “It is. It’s just facts. I don’t care. There are so many more important things.” “Show me.” I was already climbing to my feet. “W-what?” “Show me.” Addie stood shakily. “I don’t want you to see it.” My gaze locked with hers. I poured everything I was feeling into that one look. “Please.” She didn’t say anything for a moment, searching my face for something. Then she nodded and turned around. Slowly, so painfully slowly, she unbuttoned her blouse. When she was done, she simply stood there, not lowering the shirt. Her ribs expanded and contracted in ragged breaths. Then she let the fabric fall to the floor. Angry slashes crisscrossed her back. They were varying tones, shapes, and depths. In that moment, I knew Allen had done this to her over and over. My hands fisted so tightly I was in danger of breaking a knuckle. I moved closer and then sank to my knees again. “It’s just me.” My hands went to Addie’s hips. She gave...

This is one of my very favorite scenes in the entire book. There is such strength and bravery in Addie’s vulnerability in finally letting someone see her scars. And Beckett’s tenderness had me fighting tears while I was writing. This is one of those bookish catnip scenes for me. What about you? Are there types of scenes in books that always pull you in?